The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has announced an expansion of its diaspora voter registration program to 26 countries. This move aims to increase participation of Kenyans living abroad in the upcoming 2027 General Elections. Previously, voter registration for Kenyans in diaspora was limited to 12 countries during the 2022 General Election. The commission's chairman, Erastus Ethekon, emphasized that this expansion is part of the commission's efforts to ensure that Kenyans abroad can exercise their constitutional right to participate in the electoral process.
According to Chairman Ethekon, the decision to expand diaspora voter registration is in line with Article 82(1)(e) of the Kenyan Constitution. This article requires the progressive registration of citizens residing outside Kenya and the progressive realization of their right to vote. Ethekon clarified that diaspora voter registration is a constitutionally mandated process that is being implemented progressively. He assured that the registration process will be undertaken through designated mechanisms and under the supervision of the commission.
The IEBC chairman also addressed allegations that the commission is illegally registering voters from neighboring countries, including Uganda. He denied these claims, stating that they are unfounded and aimed at undermining public confidence in Kenya's electoral processes. Ethekon warned against the dissemination of misleading information and urged the public to rely on credible evidence when evaluating the commission's processes.
Chairman Ethekon revealed that despite the allegations, no credible evidence has been presented to the commission to support claims of illegality and malpractice. He assured that if credible evidence is presented, the commission will take appropriate action. The commission's commitment to transparency and integrity in the electoral process was emphasized, with Ethekon stating that it will not be diverted from its constitutional mandate by unfounded assertions.
The expansion of diaspora voter registration is scheduled to take place during the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration Phase II (ECVR II). This phase is expected to launch soon, and Kenyans in diaspora will be able to register to vote in the 26 designated countries. The commission's efforts to increase participation of Kenyans abroad in the electoral process have been welcomed by stakeholders.
The IEBC's decision to expand diaspora voter registration has been seen as a positive step towards enhancing the inclusivity and representativeness of Kenya's electoral process. Kenyans in diaspora have a constitutional right to participate in the electoral process, and this expansion will enable more of them to exercise this right. The commission's commitment to ensuring the integrity and credibility of the electoral process has been reassuring to stakeholders.
The IEBC's expansion of diaspora voter registration to 26 countries is a significant development ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The commission's efforts to address allegations of illegality and malpractice have been transparent, and its commitment to its constitutional mandate has been emphasized. As the electoral process unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the rights of all Kenyans, including those in diaspora, are protected and respected.
Key points
- The IEBC has expanded diaspora voter registration to 26 countries ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
- The commission has denied allegations of illegally registering voters from neighboring countries.
- The expansion of diaspora voter registration is in line with Article 82(1)(e) of the Kenyan Constitution.
